T-137 : American Migration

When we lived in Montana a common refrain was a that there were too many Californians moving there and spoiling things for the rest of us.  I probably participated in that at times.  However, I've come to realize that we all came from somewhere.  Is anyone truly "native"?  This is an interesting map that shows which counties people came from and are going to.  How's your area; growing or shrinking?

Link: http://www.forbes.com/special-report/2011/migration.html

T-136 : Opined Onions

Today when I pulled into the garage I smelt the definite smell of onions.  I'm grateful that Tara enjoys preserving foods for a rainy day.  Speaking of words that end in "nion", my opinion is that this quote from a feller I hadn't previously heard of is one that definitely doesn't stink:

We can never be sure that the opinion we are endeavoring to stifle is a false opinion; and if we were sure, stifling it would be an evil still.

~ John Stuart Mill
On Liberty, 1859

There's one specific person at work that I have had the hardest time dealing with because his ideas are so drastically different than mine.  Recently I was forced to spend some time with him and came out better because of it.  I now respect the fact that we can come up with better ideas when we work together than either of us would have been able to alone.  Differences have value.  In fact, we'd be worse off without them; in my opinion.

How do you deal with others who have opinions different than yours?

T-138 : Truth Circumscribed

In the television show "The X Files" the tagline was, "The truth is out there".  There was an anti-smoking campaign a few years ago where truth was called the anti-drug.  I've always been drawn to truth.  I believe that all truth can be circumscribed in one whole; that it's all part of one eternal round.  This past weekend I listened to a number of sermons given from godly men and women in the semi-annual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I heard many truths.  It's hard for me to keep the whole picture in mind at all times but I do believe that each little aha moment has a profound effect on me as I grow and strive to become more like the Savior.  The truth is out there; it's also in there, inasmuch as you internalize it and make it a part of you.  True?

T-139 : Rocket, Man!

This past weekend we drove to the Salt Lake area to be present at baby Clara's blessing.  It was a sweet time.  We left Friday night intending to visit many folks.  The folkiness part didn't work out but we did spend some time seeing our old stomping grounds at USU, the rocket display at ATK (formerly Thiokol), the Golden Spike Monument, the Spiral Jetty, Snowville, Nevada, Wendover, Tooele...  It was a memorable time but here's a travel tip.  If you consider going around the other side of the Great Salt Lake you might want to reconsider.  It's a long way to Saratoga Springs from Snowville that way!

T-140 : Dental Duh

Today we found out that both boys need their wisdom teeth out.  Erik even has 6!  A few weeks ago we found out that Emily needs braces.  Just prior to that I found out that I have one cavity and need a 1/2-dozen crowns replaced.  So, do we try to get the stuff done now or wait until the new year starts?  Any financial/insurance specialists out there care to opine?

T-141 : Demographic Horizon

As the years go by I see thresholds being met as I fill out forms on the Internet.  Just the other day I realized that I'm about to cross over into the 45-54 age group.  Luckily I'm getting better with age, like a fine wine.  At least that's what I hear about wine.  I've never tasted it.  I do my fair share of whining, though.  And usually when I hear someone else complaining I ask them if they want some cheese with their whine.  I should probably think of a more tactful way to address that.

T-142 : Garden Commute

Years ago I got in the habit of parking further away from buildings.  I get more exercise, have more peace, and endure less door dings.  Lately I've been parking and walking through the Ricks Gardens on the way to my office.  It's a nice start and finish to my day.